TDIV vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TDIV (First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TDIV tracks the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TDIV returned 18.56%/yr vs 25.49%/yr for VGT. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TDIV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

TDIV vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TDIV achieves a 19.03% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 23.32% return. Over the past 10 years, TDIV has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 18.56%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 25.49% annualized return.

TDIV

• 1D: -2.33%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: 19.03%
• 6M: 18.00%
• 1Y: 33.98%
• 3Y*: 28.59%
• 5Y*: 17.24%
• 10Y*: 18.56%

VGT

• 1D: -3.68%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 23.32%
• 6M: 21.50%
• 1Y: 46.82%
• 3Y*: 30.13%
• 5Y*: 19.51%
• 10Y*: 25.49%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

TDIV vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	19.03%	25.27%	24.43%	36.71%	-22.13%	29.49%	17.55%	33.27%	-3.18%	21.95%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	23.32%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TDIV and VGT is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2012	0.90

The correlation between TDIV and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

TDIV vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TDIV	VGT
Technology	87.1%	98.5%
Communication Services	11.6%	0.5%
Industrials	1.3%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TDIV vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

TDIV

TDIV Risk / Return Rank: 53
TDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
TDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
TDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
TDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
TDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 52

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

TDIV vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	TDIV	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.07	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.61	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	2.87	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.56	8.76	-0.20

TDIV vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDIV and VGT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

TDIV vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDIV drawdown since its inception was -31.97%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDIV and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDIV	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.97%	-54.63%	+22.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-16.40%	+5.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.00%	-27.23%	+4.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.97%	-35.07%	+3.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.97%	-35.07%	+3.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.47%	-7.71%	-2.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.85%	-7.95%	+3.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	5.36%	-1.38%

Volatility

TDIV vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) is 10.50%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 11.39%. This indicates that TDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDIV	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.50%	11.39%	-0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	18.58%	-2.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.02%	22.72%	-2.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.97%	25.55%	-4.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.96%	24.77%	-3.81%

TDIV vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TDIV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TDIV vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

TDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, more than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	1.22%	1.40%	1.59%	1.74%	2.51%	1.76%	2.07%	2.27%	2.97%	2.27%	2.45%	2.52%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDIV and VGT in my portfolio?

TDIV and VGT have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TDIV or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (11.39%) compared to TDIV (10.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDIV dropped -31.97% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, TDIV or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.49% vs 18.56% for TDIV. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, TDIV has been the lower-risk option at 10.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDIV or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.49% return vs 18.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDIV or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for TDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TDIV or VGT?

TDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.22%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between TDIV and VGT?

TDIV tracks NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for TDIV and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.71), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.